Orti Dipinti is not a simple garden. Hidden in the very city centre, across the street from one of the most luxurious hotels in Florence, at first glance it looks like a very pretty but simple garden, with benches, plants and the usual relaxing mood. But if you take a few steps in, you’ll find yourself in a real greenhouse, where vegetables ripen and flowers bloom, all thanks to the volunteering citizens!

It’s assembled on the running track once used by an association that worked with disabled children, many of whom are still volunteering in the garden. So, a real ground is completely absent, in fact the plants are cultivated in wooden crates and are watered through “sub-irrigated clay pot pitchers” (my knowledge stops here). But their work doesn’t stop at planting and harvesting! In a few words it’s a laboratory concept with the goal of promoting nutritional awareness and a sustainable urban development besides encouraging culture and integration, and they are doing this through laboratories, courses and the simple volunteering work.

If you have a green thumb, or you are looking for a relaxing and fruitful hobby, Orti Dipinti is waiting for you Thursday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 13:00! And check out their shop to purchase your own “Seed Bomb”, a real weapon which you can use to fight against the city-ugliness! These bombs need a few months but then BOOM! Flowers everywhere!